KUALA LUMPUR: Despite Malaysia’s continuous efforts to eradicate drug abuse our prisons are still full of those caught for drug related offences.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said that last year alone over 25,000 cases were detected by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
“There were 18,440 new cases while 7,482 were repeat offenders.
“The anti drug programmes have been ineffective so far with our prisons full of those who have been caught under drug related charges,” she said at a community outreach organised to mark Universiti Selangor open day here today
Dr Wan Azizah further drew on her personal experience on PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s time in prison.
“I myself was concerned when there were many inmates who were caught under charges related to drug offences as they were held near my husband,” she said yesterday.
As she was leaving, questioned by reporters on Pakatan Harapan’s chances in the Seri Setia by election, she only said “god-willing” and rushed off to another event.
Seri Setia PH candidate Halimey Abu Bakar was also present at the outreach event where the PKR member and Dr Wan Azizah met and greeted constituents from all walks of life.
Halimey is contesting against Pas candidate Dr Halimah Ali in the by-election set for Sept 8.
The Seri Setia state seat fell vacant after incumbent assemblyman and Selangor executive councillor Prof Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin passed away on Aug 2 after a battle with cancer.